This post will inspire you to design your very own Japandi kitchen.
The Japandi style is a product of Scandinavian designers discovering the Japanese aesthetic and bringing the two together.
Inspired by the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabsi-sabi, a philosophy that strives for a simple life, a life of contentment combined with the Scandinavian practice of Hygge (comfort, coziness and wellness).
If your renovating your kitchen and love the Japandi style then read on and we’ll show you 21 different design ideas for your dream Japandi kitchen.
1.Integrated Kitchen
credit @pacifichouse_no10
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern looking kitchen then we highly recommend an integrated kitchen.
Having all your appliances fitted in with your cupboards is convenient. A Japandi style kitchen just looks better without all those stainless steel appliances sticking out.
Everything is hidden and put away, there’s no room for clutter or mess and everything is confined to one area. Not to mention how great floor to ceiling cupboards look.
2.High Ceilings
credit @haus_von_ruggenthal
If you have high ceilings then a Japandi design kitchen is perfect for you.
High ceilings create an open and airy environment. A large space with a lot of natural light is very inviting.
And combining the two together creates a very warm, cosy atmosphere. Tying in the Scandinavian practice of Hygge.
3.Grooved Cabinets
credit @japandieverafter
Bring some texture to your kitchen with grooved cabinets. Wooden cabinets can look very traditional, but grooves will bring a more contemporary look.
Pair your grooved cabinets with white countertops and herringbone flooring. And you have a kitchen with layers and depth.
4.Coffee Station
credit @adamhunter
A recent trend we have seen in kitchen designs is replacing those top cabinets with shelving.
Shelving is all about creating a display, using everyday kitchen items as decor.
If you’re an avid coffee drinker then we highly recommend a coffee station. A coffee station in the kitchen will create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
5.Rounded Corners
credit @vermland.cph
Cut those corners and have your kitchen cabinets rounded.
Sharp corners are fantastic in a kitchen style that is loud, vibrant and in your face. However when it comes to a Japandi style kitchen we’re looking for something soft, something peaceful.
And just by rounding your cabinets, you can create that peaceful atmosphere. Remember it’s all about the details.
6.A Darker Look
credit @home.by.stine
If you love the Japandi style but feel like it’s too bright, then why not tone things down with the color scheme.
Swap out light shades for a deep, dark brown instead. You can contrast the cupboards with a beautiful stone countertop and black kitchen features.
The beauty of wood is that it comes in all kinds of colors and every pattern is unique.
7.U Shape
credit @niamhbarryphoto
When it comes down to choosing a shape for your Japandi style kitchen we love a U shaped kitchen. Especially for a small or rectangle shaped space.
The advantage of a U shape kitchen is having an island/breakfast bar in a kitchen that has no room for a traditional island.
A seamless built-in design with all the features you would need from an island or breakfast bar.
8.No Upper Cabinets
credit @vermland.cph
As we mentioned before top cabinets are out and shelving is in. If you’re not into coffee or having lots of shelves then keep things simple.
Sticking to the Japandi philosophy of wabsi-sabi, strive for simplicity. Why not install a single, long shelf across where your top cabinets should be.
Also going back to the displaying element of shelving, keep things minimalistic and display your best pieces of crockery, dishware, pottery etc…
9.Maximalism
credit @kfiszerfoto
Just because you like opposite styles and designs, it doesn’t mean that if you combine them they won’t work.
The Japandi style is all about keeping things simple, less is more. Whereas maximalism is about excess, that more is more.
You’d think as total opposites they wouldn’t work, however the wooden features inspired by the Japandi style, combined with different patterns, textures and materials create an amazing kitchen.
10.A Neutral Look
credit @marcingrabowiecki
Neutral is the perfect direction for a Japandi style kitchen.
Keep your cupboards handless, your counters less decorative as possible and stick to a neutral palette such as off white, cream and brown.
Your kitchen should feel natural, a peaceful space where you’ll enjoy cooking and eating with your family.
11.Lighting,Lighting,Lighting
credit @detailmovement
Lighting is an important factor in any space. As lighting creates the mood, it can create an inviting atmosphere or a hostile one.
The key is to stick to warm lighting and keep the cool lighting away.We love the idea of adding warm lighting to shelving and cupboards.
Whether its an LED strip or a fancy lamp, whatever you decide to choose, we promise it’ll make your kitchen a lot more cosy.
12.Tiles,Tiles,Tiles
credit @at_angies_place
Tiles contrast so beautifully against wood. Not only are there an array of patterns, textures and styles to choose from, you can incorporate them into any space in your kitchen.
Tiles look best on floors or as a splash-back in the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add it into your kitchen island.
Just make sure your tiles are a neutral color, and a pattern that is simple.
13.Glass Cabinets
credit @brittakodresinteriors
Another direction for your cupboards can be glass.
Whether it’s just one glass cabinet, or all your kitchen cupboards feature glass doors. It’s important that you keep the base in a wood grain.
And for that extra bit of contrast instead of keeping your glass basic, add a dark trim.
14.Patterns & Textures
credit @wojtyczka.pracowniaprojektowa
Having a Japandi style kitchen means wood is incorporated a lot throughout a kitchen.
Cupboards can be basic and so can furniture. So make sure the details in your kitchen are full of texture and patterns.
For example, you can use a herringbone pattern for your floors, and for texture on walls. Why not have 3D tiles for your splash back.
15.A Green Japandi Kitchen
credit @vikufurniture
Who says you can’t have some color in your Japandi style kitchen. Seen as the Japandi style has a strong connection to nature, it’s important to incorporate that into the home. And green is the gateway.
Not only is green on trend for a kitchen color, but it also contrasts so well against light wooden tones.
We recommend a green that is neutral, a light olive green or even a pastel green will work just as well.
16.Mini Japandi Kitchen
credit @mlc_interieurs
You don’t have to have a huge kitchen to get that light and airy feel in your future Japandi style kitchen.
Incorporate the same ideas in your small kitchen, such as open shelving, a neutral color palette, wooden tones and a breakfast table.
We’re keeping things simple and minimalistic as possible remember, so declutter and keep the essentials. This will create a more open and free atmosphere, a stress free zone.
17.Open Kitchen
credit @marcingrabowiecki
Speaking of open, if you have an open plan kitchen then you can easily incorporate the Japandi style into the living room space.
Imagine a light grey statement sofa decorated with shades of brown, karate chopped cushions. A small wooden side table paired with a large, modern black coffee table.
It’s all about neutral color schemes, wooden tones and going back to nature.
18.Blue,Blue,Blue
credit @fotografyvonnewilhelmsen
Blue is natural, neutral and soft. It’s a color that isn’t exotic or loud, it contrasts beautifully with wood and is on trend.
Cupboards are always the first to be colored when it comes to kitchen, but you don’t have to stick to cupboards.
You can have a statement blue wall, or have your splash back tiles in blue. Whatever you decide, we’re sure it will look great.
19.A Simple Look
credit @katbalogh
Simple doesn’t have to mean less, in fact you can have a lot going on and yet keep things simple.
Simple can mean sticking to a color palette. For example in this kitchen you can see that cream, white, brown and grey are the shades of colors used.
And each color has its place, grey and white as the background (splashback), the light brown(wooden cupboards) as the main event, and the cream (decor) as highlights.
20.Marble
credit @studiokuky
If your looking for a more luxurious look in your kitchen then marble is a must.
Marble is a material that’s been used for centuries, it’s timeless, it’s beautiful and looks amazing in kitchens.
Marble is an investment and needs a bit of care, but it’s definitely worth it. Especially in a Japandi design kitchen where it stands out even more against the wood.
21.Minimalism
credit @vermland.cph
And last but not least, going back to the whole point of a Japandi style kitchen, which is minimalism.
Japandi style is all about a quiet life, a life of nature and peace brought into the home. And minimalism is all about simplicity, a more empty, spacious atmosphere.
So get rid of all that clutter and mess. No top cabinets, no fancy splashbacks and definitely empty countertops. Install minimal shelving which holds your essential crockery, and put away the rest in your cabinets.
Remember less is more.
